The Institute for Education Sciences (IES) Practice Guide for Dropout Prevention provided by What Works Clearinghouse makes the following six broad recommendations for dropout prevention:

Utilize data systems that support a realistic diagnosis of the number of students who dropout and that help identify students at high risk of dropping out.

Assign adult advocates to students at risk of dropping out.

Provide academic support and enrichment to improve academic performance.

Implement programs to improve students’ classroom behavior and social skills

Personalize the learning environment and instructional process

Provide rigorous and relevant instruction

Dropout Prevention in Utah: Strategies and Resources highlights schools and programs in Utah that are implementing interventions consistent with the six recommendations from the IES Practice Guide for Dropout Prevention listed above. This document was produced by a statewide committee focused on dropout prevention. Download the document here.

* To align with federal No Child Left Behind regulations for graduation rate calculations, the Utah State Office of Education calculates a four-year cohort rate. For 2013 this includes all students who started 9th grade in the 2009-10 school year plus transfers. By aligning with federal regulations, Utah is able to compare their graduation rate to rates in other states. . . . Utah also maintains a three-year cohort rate for comparison among all Utah Local Education Agencies (LEAs) since Utah has many 10-12th grade high schools.